UNFPA ENDORSES NPC CHAIRMAN DR. YUSUF’S 7-POINT AGENDA, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NEXT CENSUS

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has endorsed the seven-point reform agenda of the new Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, describing it as apt, visionary, and transformational, one capable of repositioning the Commission and strengthening population management systems in Nigeria.

The endorsement was given by the UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, when Dr. Yusuf led an NPC delegation on a courtesy visit to the UNFPA Country Office at the United Nations Building in Abuja, today, 16th December 2025.

Ms. Mafico commended Dr. Yusuf for articulating a comprehensive reform roadmap that aligns with UNFPA’s mission of ensuring that every count matters and every person is visible in development planning.

“I have carefully read your seven-point agenda, and I must say it strongly resonates with our vision and priorities at UNFPA,” she remarked. “Your agenda is our agenda. Ours is to partner with you to ensure you achieve your set goals.”

She reaffirmed UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Commission’s reform agenda, stressing that accurate and credible data remain the cornerstone of evidence-based policymaking and sustainable national development.

“For the reforms to succeed, they must be anchored on reliable data, and that is where UNFPA comes in,” she noted. “It is timely that we embark on this journey together as Nigeria advances its broader reform efforts.”

Ms. Mafico further emphasized that data generation and population management transcend any single institution, pledging to mobilize other UN agencies in advocating for the conduct of Nigeria’s next Population and Housing Census. The goal, she said, is to secure reliable data that will inform effective national development programming.

In his remarks, NPC Chairman Dr. Aminu Yusuf expressed appreciation to UNFPA for its four-decade partnership with the Commission in driving Nigeria’s population and development agenda. He acknowledged UNFPA’s contributions to digital mapping, reproductive health, gender empowerment, and demographic data systems, which have supported evidence-based planning across all levels of governance.

Dr. Yusuf reiterated that one of the NPC’s key priorities is the conduct of Nigeria’s next Population and Housing Census. He noted that substantial preparatory work has already been completed, including Enumeration Area Demarcation, capacity building for field personnel, and deployment of digital data infrastructure. He assured that the Commission stands ready to proceed once the Federal Government sets a new census date.

“UNFPA’s technical support is central to our success, particularly in quality assurance, operational planning, data processing, and adherence to international best practices,” he said. “Together, we can deliver a credible, transparent, and fully digital census that will serve as a cornerstone for national development.”

Beyond the census, Dr. Yusuf outlined NPC’s broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, deepening demographic research, and improving the use of sub-national data for timely policy interventions. He expressed readiness to partner with UNFPA in digital innovation, GIS, data analytics, and strategic communication, which are key components of the population management modernization agenda.

He concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and data integrity, stating that with UNFPA’s sustained collaboration, Nigeria is poised to achieve a historic leap in population data management and sustainable development planning.

Also speaking, Dr. Collins Opiyo, UNFPA’s Chief Technical Adviser for Nigeria’s next census, underscored the urgency of conducting a new census, noting that Nigeria’s methodology for its postponed exercise has already been adopted by several African countries. He encouraged the Commission to realign its planning with the current global census round to maintain methodological relevance.

NPC Federal Commissioner for Oyo State, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, called on UNFPA to support advocacy for the review of Nigeria’s National Population Policy in tandem with preparations for the next census. He also urged UNFPA to assist in disseminating findings from the recently concluded Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and in updating the Commission’s geospatial data systems.

In his contribution, NPC Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, appealed for UNFPA’s leadership in advocacy for the forthcoming census, emphasizing the need to sustain public confidence and international support for the exercise.

Others who accompanied Dr. Yusuf on the visit included, Federal Commissioner, Bayelsa State, Mrs. Gloria Izonfuo, mni, Federal Commissioner, Nasarawa State, Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu and a few Directors.

The UNFPA has worked closely with the National Population Commission for over four decades, supporting data modernization, gender equality, reproductive health programmes, and population-based policy development. This partnership continues to play a vital role in building credible data frameworks that underpin sustainable development planning in Nigeria.